Foot-and-mouth curbs relaxed

BRUSSELS, Belgium -- Restrictions on the movement of cattle and pigs across most of the European Union have been eased.

The measures were put in place following the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Britain.

The decision by EU veterinary experts means livestock markets can now resume across most of the continent, although EU-wide restrictions on the movement of sheep and goats will continue, said the European Commission.

It is also relaxing some foot-and-mouth measures in the Netherlands, where there have been 26 confirmed cases of foot-and-mouth.

From May 15, the Netherlands can send pigs from the area south of the river Rhine for immediate slaughter in other EU countries. Fresh meat and meat products from most of the country will be allowed for export from May 10.

Product exports from foot-and-mouth protection and surveillance zones around Oene and in Friesland will remain banned.

The Commission said all curbs on Britain, where more than 1,500 cases of foot-and-mouth have been confirmed since the disease first broke out in late February, would be extended until June 19.